In order to improve the world's food supply and the production of many items in general, biotechnology is an important field in this day and age. Simply put, biotechnology is the use of technology and biology to fix some of this day and age's issues. Most of these issues are regarding food. Biotechnology products are found everywhere in daily life, from coffee filters and vitamins to hard cheeses and most products that are made from soybeans. In fact, it is shown that over 70% of processed food items found in the local grocery store are present due to biotechnology.

Students who wish to find careers in the field of biotechnology can pursue their course of study at any reputable school.  It does not necessarily have to be one of the top biotechnology schools for the students to be successful. Those students who have zero or very little background in biotechnology can start their pursuit of a biotechnology career with a certificate in the field of study. Certificates provide students with a basic knowledge of the subject and qualify them for basic entry level lab tech or research assistant jobs. Those who wish to pursue higher level careers should go on to higher level degree programs.

·    Most colleges, even the top biotechnology schools, do not have a Bachelor's degree in biotechnology. This is because, at this level, students are expected to follow a related course of study such as biology or chemistry to further specify the field of study under biotechnology. A graduate who obtains a degree in the biotechnology field is setting up for a career in one of the numerous research facilities and companies that make up the biotech industry. These companies include places such as Dow Chemical, Monsanto and many others out there.

Top biotechnology schools in the United States include some of the following programs:
·    Purdue University, Indiana- Purdue offers programs at every degree level for the biotechnology field. Certificates and Associate's degrees, Bachelor's degrees in related fields of study as well as preparation for further education in biotechnology.

·    Stanford University, California- this university offers a variety of biotechnology options, mainly focusing on doctoral and master's pursuits. At Stanford, there is also a non-degree program that allows those who work in the field of biotechnology who need to stay up to date in their field to take classes as need be.

There are many other good schools that offer quality programs in the biotechnology field of study, depending upon what specifics the student might be seeking. Basic certificates and Associate's degrees qualify graduates for lab tech and research assistant positions while Bachelor's degrees in related fields prepare students for higher level education in the biotechnology realm. A Bachelor's degree is required if students intend to pursue higher level education such as a Master's degree in the field. Students who pursue a Master's and/or Doctorate in biotechnology are the ones who can command the six figure salaries that come with executive and management positions.